Ortova aféra: mlynář J. K. Ort keťas, nebo dobrodinec?
The Ort Affair: The Miller J.K. Ort – A Profiteer or a Philanthropist?

Summary/Abstract: A wide range of crisis phenomena that had roots in the Great War affected the first post-war years of the newly established Czechoslovak Republic. They included the supply crisis leading to an unacceptable increase in prices, shortage of almost all daily commodities, a thriving black market, hunger, and social tension. Illegal business helped many people, mostly foodstuff traders and producers, to make a fortune.Josef Karel Ort was a remarkable figure connected with the mill on the Ohře River in Koštice, North Bohemia. Although his businesses violated the law, Ort provided work for the imperial and royal state authorities during the war and afterwards also the Czechoslovak ones. His illegal businesses crossed the regional borders and eventually those of the state as well. When Ort was arrested in April 1919 and taken to court, the journalists called his case ‘The Ort Affair’. The judicial proceedings uncovered his illegal businesses that took advantage of the catastrophic supply situation, imposed several custodial sentences, impounded several tens of tons of corn and miller’s products, imposed an enormous financial penalty, and finally the court of appeal issued a ruling that, colloquially speaking, turned the villain into a hero.Part of the article is specifically devoted to Josef Karel Ort, a modern-thinking man, sponsor of many fellowships, and pioneer of modern conveniences. His family situation did not fall into oblivion either. After his death in 1927, he left behind immense wealth, debts, and an exceptional life story.

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